Why Fnatic's Bwipo is more than just a rookie

By Yinsu Collins

Bwipo reaching the League of Legends World Championship final (Picture Courtesy of Lol Esports)

It would be an understatement to say that Gabriel 'Bwipo' Rau has had a phenomenal year.

From reaching the League of Legends World Championship finals to winning the EU LCS Spring and Summer Splits, the Fnatic substitute achieved all of this, in what is arguably his first professional season with a top esports organisation.

The 19-year-old was presented with the 'Rookie of the Year' award at the Esports Awards on Monday evening.

But it might come as a surprise that for Bwipo, going up against some of the best in the world as a rookie does not seem to bother him at all.

"I never really think about how much experience someone has on me," he said after returning home from Korea.

"We're playing the same game by the same rules so when it comes down to it, it's mostly an advantage when it comes to handling pressure."

Bwipo believes he is on the same playing field as world's best (Picture Courtesy of Fnatic)

Bwipo, who solidified himself on the Fnatic starting roster during Worlds, was substituted during their 3-0 defeat against Invictus Gaming and had to watch the remainder of the match from the sidelines.

"It took me a little bit to recover after losing game two in the fashion we did," he said.

"After a small break I recovered and told myself I had to do everything to help my team and to leave my regrets for afterwards."

Despite not being able to bring home the Summoner's Cup, Bwipo is looking forward to the off-season.

Bwipo is looking forward to the off-season (Picture Courtesy of Lol Esports)

"Mostly, I'll be spending time with my girlfriend, I'll try to set up a life with her in Berlin over the off-season. Figuring out a balance between my job and my private life.

"I want to create a lifestyle that'll allow me to have someone to rely on, in case things go bad. As well as build better habits.

"Of course - definitely staying in Fnatic if that's an option!"

Bwipo has only been in the top level of professional League of Legends for a short period of time, but he handles himself with incredible maturity, far more than what you'd expect from a rookie.